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The royal seal of approval
A self-made businessman will come face to face with one of the few members of the royal family he has not met when he accepts an MBE from the Queen.
David Evans founder of Grass Roots has been selected for the prestigious honour for his 'services to corporate responsibility'.
The 60-year-old started his Tring-based performance improvement firm in 1980 and since that time has been well known for giving back to the community.
He said: "This is a wonderful place and if we can make it more wonderful then that is great.
"I associate my good fortune with being in a small community with good people. It is like a reinvestment in the things that have made me fortunate."
Among the many charities and groups he supports is the Tring Festival Company which enjoys the use of the Grass Roots-owned Court Theatre at a token rent.
Schools and sports clubs also benefit from his generosity as well as charities like the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and the Chiltern Air Ambulance service.
And the firm offers other more unusual opportunities like work placements to homeless people.
Speaking of the award, Mr Evans said: "I was gobsmacked. I'm elated of course."
Also in line for an MBE is deaf volunteer Jenny Smith.
She was nominated for her volunteer work which spans 19 years by staff at the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Over the years it is thought retired Mrs Smith, who lives near Tring, has given around a thousand talks to groups to explain what the charity does.
Mrs Smith has been deaf since her teens and applied for her first hearing dog from the group in 1989.
Dog Jango has since retired and Mrs Smith is now onto her third hearing dog Molly.
The pet lets her know when the phone is ringing, if someone is at the door and most importantly if the smoke alarm is sounding.
In 2003 the charity stalwart was given the Desmond Wilcox Volunteer of the Year award by Esther Rantzen in recognition of her dedication to raising funds and awareness of the charity.
But the latest accolade came as a complete surprise, Mrs Smith, said: "I was very shocked. It was totally unexpected and I'm very honoured."
Both Mrs Smith and Mr Evans will meet the Queen later this year to accept the honours.
Mr Evans said: "She is the only member of the royal family I haven't met."
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 26 May 2012
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